Going into this game, there was a lot of uncertainty as to what sort of team we would see from Vieira. First team boss Pellegrini had been quizzed on whether some of the youngsters were going to get a chance against Southampton at the Etihad on Sunday and he pointed towards the importance of this game – which was strange as there wasn’t too much to play for.
But anyway, Vieira opted for a similar side to the one which blew Southampton U21’s away at St Mary’s on Tuesday. 16-year old Cameron Humphreys was once again deployed in defence alongside George Evans. Glendon, Ntcham and Byrne made up the midfield trio, while Barker, Pozo and the supremely talented Iheanacho were selected in attack.
United, recently crowned the winners of the division, and fielded a so-called ‘weakened’ side, without the presence of James Wilson, Adnan Januzaj and Tyler Blackett – who have all featured for the first team this season.
There was a chance for some redemption from the 4-0 drubbing the Reds inflicted on City a couple of weeks back.
The pattern of play was very much similar to the aforementioned game, City having most of the ball and their opponents sitting deep and looking to hit on the counter attack. United were far more physically imposing and regularly broke up play with a series of niggly tackles and challenges.
Olivier Ntcham went close with a deflected effort in the 5th minute for City but there weren’t many moments of note in the first half.
Kelechi had a more promising chance later in the half when fed by Pozo but his effort was saved well by Kieran O’hara.
City did the majority of the probing, but didn’t have that finishing touch in the final third. United were then clinical when their big chance arrived on the break.
Andy Kellett skipped past Byrne’s desperate challenge and whipped in a dangerous cross which was turned in by Ashley Fletcher. A drab affair but United had the advantage.
HT City EDS 0-1 United.
The trends set in the first half were broken though and City were much more threatening in the second half, aided by the welcome introduction of nifty winger Aaron Nemane – who replaced Jose Pozo at the break.
A better tempo and urgency from Vieira’s men culminated in a well-deserved equaliser in the 55th minute.
Ever since his return from injury and his work permit problems were solved, Kelechi Iheanacho has been nothing short of a revelation in the City youth set up.
He reaped the rewards of a much improved second half display and grew into the game, starting with the equaliser. He turned multiple players wonderfully, skipped past a couple more and planted his effort into the bottom corner. An excellent solo goal to pull City level.
Barker then went close with a curling effort from the left, before Angelino sent in a cross that was met by Jack Byrne, who headed over. Kelechi drifted into space and unleashed an effort towards goal which stung the palms of O’Hara.
From the resulting corner, City completed the turnaround. Angelino, Nemane and Byrne were all involved in a short corner routine and eventually the ball made its way to the Spaniard who found the net with the help of a couple of deflections.
There was still time for Iheanacho to help himself to another goal. He linked up brilliantly with the exceptional Olivier Ntcham and produced another tidy finish to cap off a great second half display.
FT City EDS 3-1 United U21’s.
